Test your basic knowledge |

Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






2. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






3. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






4. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






5. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






6. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






7. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






8. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






9. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






10. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






11. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






12. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






13. A composition written for eight instruments.






14. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






15. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






16. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






17. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






18. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






19. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.






20. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






21. Suite of Baroque dances.






22. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






23. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






24. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






25. A repeated phrase.






26. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






27. Indicating speed.






28. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






29. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






30. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






31. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






32. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






33. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






34. The highest female voice.






35. A symbol indicating to play loud.






36. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






37. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.






38. A symbol indicating to play loud.






39. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






40. The unit of musical rhythm.






41. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






42. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






43. Repetition of a single tone.






44. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






45. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






46. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






47. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






48. Suite of Baroque dances.






49. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






50. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.